How you wanted to scan the sky and see what other hidden gems were hiding in the darkness?
Now imagine that you were not welcome or allowed to look through the telescope. Millions of people are denied this opportunity because astronomy facilities are not accessible to them.
This book provides strategies and resources to remove barriers and make observing sessions welcoming and accessible for people of all abilities. If you are an astronomy educator, you can help make the universe accessible!
And if you are an astronomy enthusiast, use this state-by-state guide to find accessible destinations.
Click here for 300 dpi image of book cover
"When you've got all five senses and both your legs work, it's easy to miss
how often society neglects those for whom this isn't true. In Everyone's
Universe, Noreen Grice, a uniquely inspired champion of astronomy
education, has identified activities and places in America where, no matter your level of
sensory or physical limitation, the universe is accessible to all. As it
should be. "
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Astrophysicist & Director, Hayden Planetarium
American Museum of Natural History
"In a practical and powerful way, Everyone's Universe establishes the
Twenty First century paradigm for engaging everyone in the wonder of
astronomical exploration. The experience, innovation, and passion that
Noreen Grice brings together in this new resource is certain to help
create a new movement of backyard astronomers."
Mark Riccobono, Executive Director of the Jernigan Institute,
National Federation of the Blind
"Most of the universe may be out of reach, but it's not inaccessible.
Noreen Grice is determined to make it more accessible. She has pioneered
Accessible Astronomy for nearly three decades and has developed
innovations that download the sky into the hands of those whose grasp it
eluded. Her new book is a marvel of encouragement and practical advice. It
will certainly expand the universe of Accessible Astronomy. Everyone's
Universe shows how it's already being done and how easy it is to get
everyone in touch with the sky. "
Dr. E.C. Krupp, Director
Griffith Observatory
"Everyone's Universe: A Guide to Accessible Astronomy Places will be
invaluable to those facing an accessibility issue, allowing everyone to
enjoy the beauty of the sky."
David Eicher, Astronomy Magazine
"Every stargazer knows the joy of looking up, leaving everyday behind
for a moment, to perceive the vast beauty of the Universe. Such
moments are a cherished aspect of the human experience! But what
about the 30 million Americans (about 10%) who are challenged by
disabilities which make getting around, seeing, or communicating
difficult?
If you look around at star parties and other astronomical activities
presented by astronomy clubs, observatories, planetariums, and
science museums, you will not often see disabled persons. Some
disabilities are invisible, but many have been discouraged by
barriers to participation, or simply unaware that participation was
even possible. Can they find ways to participate in Astronomy? Can
astronomy clubs and presenters find ways to eliminate barriers and
make the Universe accessible?
The answer to both questions is an emphatic “Yes!”, says astronomer
Noreen Grice, author of “Everyone’s Universe”. In this fascinating,
empowering, practical, and concise guide, the author shows how easy
it is to overcome every manner of accessibility challenge in
Astronomy. Using simple tools and ideas she developed over the past
26 years, astronomy presenters and telescope people can demolish
barriers and connect disabled people with the Universe. Even the
blind can do Astronomy!
... Noreen lays out all the avenues of participation she has
discovered in an extremely lucid, direct, and easy to follow style.
Her ingenious methods, including “tactile images” and touchable star
charts, involve no significant cash outlay. The main requirements are
a desire to share astronomy and willingness to communicate in more
than one way.
If you have not enjoyed astronomy events and programs because of a
disability, you will find a guide to accessible astronomical places
(many of which use approaches and books developed by the author) in
Part II. If you would like more information or would like to share
your experiences (as participant or as a presenter), you are
encouraged to visit www.youcandoastronomy.com
Anyone who has watched another’s eyes filling with wonder at their
first sighting of Saturn’s Rings or the mountains of the Moon though
a telescope remembers the excitement of that shared event. How much
more so if the eyes belong to a person who had previously felt
excluded! The rewards are worth the small effort! This excellent
guide by Noreen Grice will show you and your fellow astronomy
resource people the way to open the Universe to Everyone."
Steve Dodson, Stargazer Steve